Effect of monensin on the enzymes of oxidative stress, thiamine pyrophosphatase and DNA integrity in rat testicular cells in vitro

Monensin, a sodium specific ionophore was evaluated for its in vitro effects on rat testis by studying changes at biochemical parameters as well as at the DNA level. It was observed that monensin produced marked alterations in the activities of various enzymes associated with the testicular functions. The significant inhibition of different enzymes of oxidative defense system points toward the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by monensin treatment. The significant depletion of reduced glutathione and elevation in the level of lipid peroxidation further support the above findings. The significant inhibition of the activities of lactate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase shows the interference of monensin with the normal energy supply in spermatogenesis. Moreover, the significant increase in the activities of acid phosphatase and thiamine pyrophosphatase demonstrates the interference of monensin with the Golgi-lysosomal complex of the rat testis. Induced DNA fragmentation indicates towards the impact of monensin on the DNA integrity and apoptosis. Further studies are needed to understand the important molecular mechanisms responsible for these effects.

I. The modulatory effect in genotoxic responses due to age and duration of PHT-therapy in epileptic patients

Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequency has been studied from the peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures of 42 epileptic patients on the anticonvulsant drug phenytoin (PHT) for 3 months and their follow-up (6 and 9 months), of 33 epileptics who had not started therapy (PHT-untreated), and of 40 normal healthy controls, all in the same age group, i.e., 10-30 years. PHT-treated epileptic patients at all three durations of therapy (3, 6, and 9 months) showed higher SCE frequency (P < 0.001) than healthy controls and PHT-untreated patients. There was no significant difference in SCE frequency between control and PHT-untreated patients, suggesting that disease is not associated with an increased frequency of SCEs. The frequency of SCEs seems to be influenced by an age factor, when older treated patients (21-30 years) showed higher SCE frequencies at 3 and 6 months (P < 0.001) and 9 months (P < 0.05) than the younger age group (10-20 years). SCE frequency increased linearly with the duration of therapy, i.e., from 3 months to 9 months. No correlation was found between SCE frequency and sex with respect to controls, PHT-untreated, and PHT-treated subjects. In conclusion, the modulating effect on SCE frequencies elicited by age and duration of therapy has been clearly demonstrated by SCE mean analysis. Teratogenesis Carcinog. Mutagen. 21:135-149, 2001.

II. An altered proliferation response due to the anticonvulsant phenytoin (PHT) in epileptic patients

Lymphocyte proliferation kinetics (LPK) is an end point used in genetic toxicology that was proposed as an alternative for the screening of anticonvulsant drugs. The effect of phenytoin (PHT) was investigated on the mitotic and proliferation indices in cultured blood lymphocytes of 33 sporadically collected untreated and 42 PHT-treated epileptics, where the duration of treatment was 3, 6, and 9 months, and 40 control subjects (age range 10-30 years). PHT induced mitotic delays and decreased the mitotic index. A significant heterogeneity of the first, second and the third metaphases between treated and untreated groups was revealed. A reduction of the proliferation index (P < 0.001) and proliferation delay per cycle (P < 0.001) was also observed. There was little variation between the controls and untreated patients (P > 0.05). The results have confirmed that PHT can affect responses leading to genotoxicity. Teratogenesis Carcinog. Mutagen. 21:151-164, 2001.

alpha-Glucosidase activity in the rat epididymis under different physiological conditions

The estimation of alpha-glucosidase activity in semen is widely used as a marker of epididymal function. In the present studies, glucosidase activity was evaluated in the different segments of the rat epididymis under various physiological conditions. In addition, the effect of two known male antifertility agents, gossypol and alpha-chlorohydrin, on enzyme activity was evaluated. Enzyme activity was absent from the epididymis of rats aged 10 and 20 days but became detectable at 30 days of age when the adult pattern of distribution (highest activity in the caput epididymis) was established. Enzyme activity was reduced significantly in all segments of the epididymis at 7 days after castration and a significant decrease in activity was also observed following the administration of either gossypol or alpha-chlorohydrin. These findings are consistent with a role for alpha-glucosidase in sperm maturation in the epididymis.

Regulation of male fertility by pyrimethamine in adult mice

Studies were carried out to determine the antifertility and reversibility effect of pyrimethamine (PYR) in adult male mice. The parameters mainly included sperm count and motility, fertility, histoarchitecture of testis and testicular cell kinetics quantitatively following oral administration of PYR (50 mg/kg body weight per day) for 30 days. The same parameters were also studied in PYR-treated animals which were allowed to recover for 45 days (recovery group). The results suggest that sperm motility as well as counts were significantly decreased in PYR-treated animals, and the fertility rate fell to zero. Testicular histology as well as germ cell kinetics were altered. However, in the animals of the recovery group, all the parameters studied were more or less similar to those of control animals. The study demonstrates the antifertility as well as reversible efficacy of PYR.

Antifertility effects of an LHRH agonist in male mice

This study was designed to investigate the effects of repeated high doses of an LHRH agonist on Swiss porton mouse seminiferous epithelium. Seminiferous epithelium showed more pronounced degenerative effects at the higher dose (1000 micrograms/kg wt/day) of the drug, with arrest of spermatogenesis at all stages of differentiation; effects on spermatogenesis become more evident after pachytene spermatocyte stage. The decrease in the testis-specific enzyme LDH-X is accounted for by the decrease in the number of cells of gametogenic origin. Although complete azoospermia was not observed, acute inhibition of motility of spermatozoa may account for severely decreased fertility rates after mating. However, reduced fertility rates due to decreased libido as a consequence of diminished testosterone levels cannot be discounted.

Spermatozoal abnormalities and male infertility in the rat following sulfasalazine treatment

OBJECTIVE

To determine the (reversible) antifertility effect in the male rat of sulfasalazine, a common therapy for inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS

Sulfasalazine (120, 250 and 500 mg/kg) was administered for 60 days by oral gavage to sexually mature male rats.

RESULTS

Both motility of sperm and fertility of animals was significantly altered at the highest dose (500 mg/kg). Morphological abnormalities included alteration in the normal profile of the spermatozoa and presence of lesions on the sperm head.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that sulfasalazine brings about its antifertility effects by altering sperm motility and number of spermatozoa in addition to increased surface abnormalities, which render the spermatozoa infertile.

Effect of human gamma interferon on mice testis: a quantitative analysis of the spermatogenic cells

Effect of Human Gamma Interferon (Hu-IFN-gamma) on the testicular histology was studied in mice. Male mice were administered Hu-IFN-gamma intratesticularly at the doses of 2, 10 and 20 micrograms/testis in a volume of 1.0 microliter isotonic normal saline. Contralateral testis served as control and was administered same amount of vehicle. All the animals were sacrificed 7 days after drug administration. Body weight and the weights of testis and epididymis were not affected by IFN treatment nor was there any effect of the drug on the motility of the vas deferens spermatozoa. Low dose of IFN (2 micrograms) did not have significant effect on the histoarchitecture of the testis and various spermatogenic elements, a progressive damage was however observed with the increasing doses of IFN. Pronounced deleterious effect of IFN on the testis leading to desquamation of the germinal epithelium, reduction in the germinal cell height and tubular diameter was observed with 20 micrograms dose. Quantitative studies on seminiferous epithelium showed a significant decrease in the number of Sertoli cells, stage-7 spermatids and stage-16 spermatozoa. The ratios of resting type spermatocyte: type A spermatogonia and stage-7 spermatids: pachytene spermatocyte was also reduced. The ratios of pachytene spermatocyte: resting spermatocyte and stage-16 spermatozoa: stage-7 spermatids were however not affected by IFN treatment. In another experiment IFN was administered (2 micrograms/day) subcutaneously to male mice for 30 days. No effect of drug treatment on body weight, organ weight, sperm motility and histology (including morphometry) of the testis was observed. Our data suggest that IFN action at testis may be associated with the antiproliferative effect of interferon.

Effect of active immunization to luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone on the fertility and histoarchitecture of the reproductive organs of male rat

The feasibility of using a vaccine against luteinizing-hormone-releasing factor for suppression of pituitary and gonadal functions has been indicated for some time. Antibody production against this low-molecular-weight, naturally occurring decapeptide, however, requires to be coupled to a carrier protein to enhance its immunogenicity. LHRH was coupled to diphtheria toxoid (DT). Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats with a mean basal body weight of 200 g were immunized with anti-LHRH-DT (20 micrograms/injection/rat) at four-week intervals. An equal number of unexposed animals served as controls. Six animals were killed every two weeks up the end of the week 43. The vaccination schedule did not have any effect on the gain in body weight, nor was any adverse effect of vaccination observed in the course of the investigations. The pituitary, prostate, epididymis, testes, seminal vesicles, adrenal and thyroid were excised for determination of organ weight and histological examination. The adrenal, pituitary and thyroid showed no remarkable weight changes during the observation period, whereas the weights of the reproductive organs demonstrated significant reductions compared to those of the control group. The histopathology revealed marked to significant changes in the gonads and the accessory sex organs including the prostate. A progressive phase of regeneration of spermatogenesis was evident 98 days after vaccination. Total recovery of spermatogenesis was observed 300 days after vaccination. The mating studies showed the return of fertility 300 days after vaccination. The litters borne were normal. Prostate showed recovery after 154 days of vaccination. Our observations lend strong support to the hypothesis that anti-LHRH vaccine can be effectively used on the management of prostate carcinoma. If the vaccination is given together with a suitable dose of long-acting androgen, contained in an adequate delivery system, the regimen may be used for the regulation of male fertility.

Effect of sulphapyridine on male fertility in the rat

Male rats administered sulphapyridine (60, 120 and 250 mg/kg) for 60 days demonstrated no change in body weight and testicular weight. However, there was a decrease in the weight of the epididymis. Motility and sperm reserves were reduced and were evident from fewer implantation sites and number of pregnancies. Furthermore, sulphapyridine did not show any effect on the histoarchitecture of the testis or epididymis. Serum levels of testosterone in the treated rats were comparable to their respective controls. Morphological abnormalities as revealed by scanning electron microscopic studies clearly demonstrated the detrimental effects of the drug.

Effect of optical isomers of gossypol on mammalian spermatozoa: an in vitro study

Human, bull and monkey spermatozoa were treated with different optical isomers of gossypol in vitro. The spermatozoa (concentration 50 x 10(8)) were incubated with gossypol for 15, 30, 45 and 60 min. at 37 degrees C. The concentration of gossypol employed in the experiment was from 5-50 micrograms/ml. A marked inhibition in sperm motility was observed following gossypol treatment; levorotatory gossypol had more pronounced effect on sperm motility in comparison to dextrorotatory and racemic gossypol. Scanning electron microscope study revealed degenerative changes in the sperm head surface. Dextrorotatory gossypol, hitherto known to be non-effective in suppressing the fertility in vivo was found to be equally effective in inhibiting the motility and LDH-X activity of the spermatozoa. Both racemic and dextrorotatory gossypol inhibited fructolysis in bull spermatozoa. Our data suggest that whatever the mechanism of action of enantiomers of gossypol on sperm motility, fructolysis and LDH-X may be, it is evidently clear that dextrorotatory gossypol is equally active in inhibiting the sperm motility and enzyme active in vitro. The action of optical isomers of gossypol on spermatozoa in vitro, appears to be unrelated to the mechanism of orally administered gossypol.

65Zn incorporation in the male reproductive organs following gossypol treatment

Male hamsters and rats were administered gossypol 10 mg/kg/day for 45 and 56 days respectively. Twenty four hours before the last dose, animals were administered 65Zn (specific activity 0.258 uci/mg) subcutaneously. A marked decrease in 65Zn incorporation was observed in testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate following drug administration. A significant increase in 65Zn uptake was however observed in vas deferens in both rat and hamster following drug administration. Our results suggest that whatever the mechanism of gossypol action on testis-epididymis complex may be, the marked decrease in 65Zn uptake by testis--epididymis complex following gossypol treatment may be related to the antispermatogenic effect of gossypol.

Distribution of gossypol

Male rabbits and rats were administered gossypol (20 mg/kg/day) for 12 and 7 weeks respectively. Gossypol was estimated in different organs by the aniline method of Smith. Rat and rabbit spleen accumulated the highest level of gossypol. The lowest amount of gossypol was accumulated in the rabbit brain; the level of gossypol in rat brain was below the detectable limit of our method. Although rabbits were administered gossypol for 12 weeks, the accumulation of gossypol in rabbit testis was much lower than that of the rat testis. Our data suggest that non-sensitivity of rabbit to the antifertility effect of gossypol may be due to poor accumulation of gossypol in the testis. Negligible amount of gossypol in the brain rules out the possibility of involvement of hypothalamus-pituitary axis in the mechanism of action of gossypol on the testis.

Effect of gossypol on rats maintained on protein deficient and low potassium diets

Sexually mature male albino rats were divided into four groups of 5 animals each. Animals of group I served as control, whereas animals of group II received gossypol (20 mg/kg body weight/day) for 45 days. Animals of groups III and IV were maintained on protein deficient diet. Animals of group IV received 20 mg/kg gossypol in addition to the protein deficient diet. Animals of group III and IV received protein deficient diet for 45 days before initiating gossypol treatment. The total period of maintaining the animals on protein deficient diet was 90 days. In another experiment, the same experimental protocol was followed except that the animals were maintained on low potassium diet instead of protein deficient diet. A significant decrease in body weight of animals was observed following protein deficient and gossypol (group IV) treatment. Testis weight decreased significantly in the animals of group III (protein deficient) and group IV (protein deficient + gossypol). Similar observations were made in the animals maintained on low potassium diet. In both the experiments, sperm motility was reduced significantly. Histologically, in the testis of animals of group IV (protein deficient + gossypol) almost all the tubules were disorganised and vacuolated and total arrest of spermatogenesis could be observed in majority of the tubules.

Effect of gossypol on domestic fowl, Gallus domesticus

Domestic fowls (Gallus domesticus) were administered gossypol (10 mg/kg body weight/day) by oral intubation for 15 weeks. Drug treatment did not have any effect on body growth rate. The drug treatment, however, caused a marked decrease in the weights of testis and epididymis. Predominant changes in the histoarchitecture of testis (desquamation of germinal epithelium and inhibition of spermatogenesis) were observed following gossypol treatment. Epididymal tubules in gossypol treated animals were devoid of spermatozoa. Gossypol treatment had no effect on hematological parameters (total erythrocyte count, total leucocyte count, hematocrit and hemoglobin) studied in the present investigations.

Early events in rat testis after gossypol administration

Eighty male rats were grouped into 8 groups of 10 animals each. Animals in groups I-IV were given gossypol (40 mg/kg/day) for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days respectively. Animals of groups V-VIII served as respective controls for groups I-IV. Marked changes in the activities of ATPase and SDH were observed following drug treatment. Decrease in the activity of testis LDH was evident even after 7 days of drug treatment. Activities of B-galactosidase, Glucose-6-phosphatase and Fructose-1-6-diphosphatase were not affected by gossypol treatment. Glycogen contents in testis were not different from those of the controls. A significant decrease in the tubular diameter and germinal height of the seminiferous tubules was observed after 21 days of drug treatment. Quantitative analysis of spermatogenic elements revealed marked decrease in the ratios of resting spermatocyte. A type spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocyte/resting spermatocyte, and stage 19 spermatids/stage 7 spermatids after 7 days of drug treatment. A progressive decrease in the ratios of these cell types was observed as the duration of the drug treatment was extended. Liver enzymes (except SDH and LDH after 28 days of drug treatment) were not affected by gossypol treatment. Our data strongly suggest that degenerative changes in the testis start after one week of drug administration. The histological changes visible at light microscopy level start appearing after 14 days of drug treatment.

Effect of gossypol on the fertility of male rats

Thirty male rats were grouped into 5 groups of 6 animals each. Animals in groups II-V were given gossypol at a dose of 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg body weight per day for 45 days respectively. Animals of group I served as control. A significant decrease in body weight after administration of 40 mg/kg body weight of gossypol was observed; low doses of gossypol, however did not affect the body weight. Testis, epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicles weights decreased gradually with the increasing doses of gossypol. With the increasing doses of gossypol, a marked decrease in the vas deferens sperm motility was observed. At 40 mg/kg dose there was a total inhibition of sperm motility. Histological studies after 5 mg/kg revealed no apparent sign of degeneration, while after 10 mg/kg dose the changes in the individual cell types were accompanied by overall disorganisation of the germinal epithelium involving displacement of the spermatocytes. The rats treated with 20-40 mg/kg gossypol showed a pronounced deleterious effect on the histological structure of the testis. The drug effect was dose dependent developing sequentially; from the uppermost layer of elongated spermatids affecting round spermatids and finally spermatocytes. Quantitatively the ratios of pachytene spermatocytes: resting spermatocytes, stage 7 spermatids: pachytene spermatocytes, and stage 19 spermatids: stage 7 spermatids and tubular diameter and germinal height decreased significantly. The activities of glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose 1, 6-diphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase in testis decreased significantly at high dose (40 mg/kg), while the activity of amylase and glycogen content increased significantly with the increasing doses of gossypol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Recovery of normal testis function and sperm motility after cessation of gossypol treatment in hamster

The present investigations evaluate the reversibility of the effect of gossypol on the histoarchitecture of the hamster testis and the motility of the vas deferens spermatozoa. Adult male hamsters of proven fertility were treated orally with gossypol (10 mg/kg/day) for 13 weeks (group III). Another group of animals in the Group IV were given gossypol (10 mg/kg/day) for 13 weeks and were sacrificed 13 weeks after termination of the drug treatment. Animals in groups I and II were given vehicle and served as controls for groups III and IV respectively. To all the animals, gossypol or vehicle was administered by oral intubation. A marked reduction in the spermatozoa motility was observed in the animals of group III. In contrast, the motility of the spermatozoa in the animals of group IV (recovery phase) was in the normal range. A large number of seminiferous tubules were affected by gossypol treatment (group III); these tubules showed degeneration of germ cells, vacuolization and loosening of the germinal epithelium. In the quantitative analysis of the spermatogenic events, the ratio of resting spermatocyte/'A' type spermatogonia was not affected but the ratios of pachytene spermatocytes/resting spermatocytes and stage 19 spermatids/stage 7 spermatids decreased by 21%, 47% and 52% respectively. The tubular diameter and germinal height were decreased by 14% and 33% respectively. In group IV, hamsters were allowed to recover from the gossypol treatment. The seminiferous tubules exhibited normal histoarchitecture and the tubular diameter and germinal height recovered markedly. Recovery in different stages of spermatogenic cycle was evidently clear in this group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of specific insulin binding sites in rat testis following induced diabetes and experimental starvation

The presence of insulin-saturable binding sites in the rat testis have been demonstrated. Employing radioreceptor assay (RRA), the characteristics of insulin binding in both liver and testis of the normal (control) rats have been studied. Crude receptor binding at 37 degrees C after 18-20 hrs of incubation in Tris-HCl buffer at pH-7.5. The binding of 125I-insulin to liver and testis of the experimental rats, rendered diabetic for two months with single parenteral streptozotocin (STZ) administration (65 mg/Kg, BW, ip) was also studied. In the diabetic rats, the insulin binding in liver as compared to the control increased by over 92% (P 0.001); the increase in the binding of 125I-insulin to the testis of the diabetic rats however was not statistically significant. Similarly, insulin binding to the testis did not vary much after 3 days of starvation as against 84% (P 0.001) increase in the insulin binding to the liver of the fasted rats. These results suggest that testicular insulin receptors are similar to those of liver but may have a different physiological control.

The effect of gossypol acetic acid on the different stages of the spermatogenic cycle in the rat

The reversibility of the effect of gossypol on testicular histology and fertility was studied in rats. Adult males of proven fertility were treated orally with gossypol acetic acid (15 mg/kg) for 9 or 16 weeks (groups 1 and 2, respectively). Another groups of animals (group 3) was given gossypol (15 mg/kg) for 16 weeks and killed 6 weeks after the end of treatment. Control animals (group 4) were given the vehicle only by oral intubation. In the mating studies, although only 33% of the animals in group 1 were infertile, 100% infertility was observed following 16 weeks of gossypol treatment (group 2). All animals in group 3 regained their fertility 6 weeks after cessation of drug treatment. Damage was observed to 15.7% of the seminiferous tubules after 9 weeks of drug treatment, and to 78% after 16 weeks of treatment. Extensive vacuolization, increased numbers of lipid droplets, degeneration of germ cells, loosening of the epithelium, and a significant decrease in the number of pachytene spermatocytes (stages VII-X) and spermatids (steps 7-10 at stages VII-X) were observed after gossypol treatment. There was a decrease in the diameter of only stage VIII seminiferous tubules after 9 weeks of treatment, whereas a reduction was observed in the tubules of all stages after 16 weeks of gossypol treatment. In the recovery phase, the diameter of seminiferous tubules was similar to that of controls, except for tubules at stage VIII. No change in the area of the lumen of the seminiferous tubules and lipid bodies was observed after 9 weeks of drug treatment, but a marked reduction in the area of the lumen (stages II-X) and an increase in lipid bodies (all stages) was observed after 16 weeks of gossypol treatment. Six weeks after cessation of treatment, the area of the lumen and the number of lipid bodies were comparable to values in controls. A reduction in the area of the epithelium was restricted to just a few stages (VIII-XIV) in treated animals at 9 weeks, whereas after 16 weeks the area of the epithelium was decreased in all tubules. In the recovery phase, except for tubules at stage VIII, the area of the seminiferous epithelium was comparable to that in controls.

Assay of Testosterone, FSH and LH in Serum and Spermogram in Leprosy Patients

Testicular functions in the form of testosterone, FSH and LH levels in serum by radio-immuno-assays, complete semen examination and a few testicular biopsies were studied in 30 men with leprosy (LL-7, BL-6, BB-1, BT-12 and 'fT-4). Serum testosterone levels were lowered in all the groups. Serum FSH and LH levels were elevated in lepromatous and borderline .1epromatous leprosy. Semen analysis showed oligospermia in LL and BL groups. Lepra bacilli in smars of semen were present in 2 LL case. Leprous changes were seen in the testicular biopsies.

Clinical microdose study of gossypol: effect on sperm motility and renal function

This study is part of a series designed to identify the smallest effective gossypol dose for male fertility control. Three men, aged 31-35 years, were administered gossypol, 10 mg/day, orally for 3 months. Urinalysis and assays for plasma hormone values, including cortisol, beta 2-microglobulin, potassium, and BUN, showed no changes during treatment. Forward sperm motility, however, was severely affected by the end of the treatment period (less than 4% forward motility). Sperm density also showed a marked decrease. The subjects developed no undue side effects.

Effect of high energy shock waves on human spermatozoa in vitro

We investigated the effect of high energy shock waves on human spermatozoa in vitro. Human semen samples of proven motility, kept in polyethylene tubes, were subjected to shock waves (100, 500, and 1,000) using a HM3 Dornier lithotripter. A progressive decrease in the spermatozoa vitality was observed with increasing doses of shock waves. Spermatozoa decapitation became significant with increasing doses of shock waves. A progressive decrease in sperm motility was observed following exposure to shock waves, but these changes were not significant.

Demonstration of direct effect of estrogen on rat spermatogenesis

The presence of an estrogen receptor in Leydig cell cytosol suggests that estrogen could have a direct action on Leydig cell function. We have shown earlier the direct effect of estradiol on testosterone biosynthesis. We report in this communication effect of estradiol on spermatogenesis using hypophysectomized rats treated daily for four days with 400 IU hCG/Pregnyl) and 1 IU FSH (Pergonal), a model that eliminates the possibility of feedback effects of estradiol on gonadotropin secretion. Estradiol was administered in subcutaneous silastic capsules. The control animals had empty capsules. The inhibition of spermatogenesis, after estradiol treatment, was marked by the presence of multinucleated giant cells, disorganization of the germinal elements, accumulation of cellular debris and the absence of late spermatid and spermatozoa. These changes in the histoarchitecture of testis were accompanied by the reduction in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the thickness of the basement membrane. Morphologically Leydig cells were, however, normal. Inhibition of spermatogenesis was in relation to the amount of estrogen available/administered as estradiol capsule of 0.25 cm did not evoke significant changes in the histology of the testis whereas estradiol capsule of 4 cm caused maximum damage to the spermatogenesis. Similarly progressive damage to the spermatogenesis was quite apparent as the number of days increased after estradiol capsule implantation. Neither high (1600 IU/day/4 days) nor low /5.25 IU/day) doses of hCG synergized the effect of estradiol on spermatogenesis. Testis weight was significantly reduced after estradiol treatment but weight of the epididymis and accessory sex organs did not change. Body weight was also not effected by estradiol treatment.

Studies on low molecular weight follicle stimulating hormone receptor binding inhibitor (FSH-RBI) from ovine testis

Follicle stimulating hormone receptor binding inhibitor (FSH-RBI) has been isolated from the aqueous extracts of ovine testis using Sephadex column chromatography. Sephadex G-75 fraction IV was found to inhibit the binding of (125I) FSH to rat testis receptors. Further purification of Sephadex G-75 fraction on Sephadex G-25 column gave three fractions (I-III). The maximum inhibitory activity to inhibit (125I) FSH binding to rat testis receptor was associated with fraction III only. FSH-RBI exerted a greater inhibitory effect on the formation of the hormone-receptor complex rather than on the dissociation of the preformed complex. FSH-RBI did not inhibit the binding of (125I) LH to rat testis receptors. A significant decrease in the mouse ovarian weight was observed when FSH-RBI was injected to hCG-primed female mice. The molecular weight determination studies show that molecular weight of FSH-RBI is approximately 1400 Daltons.

Ultrastructure of monkey (Macaca radiata) spermatozoa: effect of gossypol in vivo

The present study examines the ultrastructure of ejaculated spermatoza from bonnet monkey, Macaca radiata under normal conditions, with gossypol treatment and during recovery from such treatment. Monkeys were fed orally with gossypol acetic acid (GAA) for 3 months (4 mg/monkey/5 days a week). Semen samples collected by electro-ejaculation, and the spermatozoa were examined using both light and electron microscopy. The degree of motility was also noted by Kalla et al. Ejaculated spermatoza were immotile 90 days after GAA treatment, but little evidence for any abnormality in the spermatozoa could be seen by light microscopy. Some ultrastructural changes were observed, but not to the extent previously reported in spermatozoa of Macaca fascicularis. After termination of treatment, semen samples were obtained every 5th day until sperm count and motility recovered to the normal level. After 90 days only a small proportion of spermatozoa showed abnormal structure. We conclude that in a subhuman animal model gossypol induced effects on sperm motility and morphology are reversible.

Involvement of prostaglandin in the antifertility effects of gossypol

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of gossypol alone and gossypol in combination with prostaglandin and aspirin. Rats were administered gossypol (40 mg/kg/day), gossypol and prostaglandin (PGF2 alpha-2 mg/kg/day), gossypol and aspirin (300 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. A marked effect of the gossypol-prostaglandin combination was observed on sperm motility and spermatogenesis. The effect of the gossypol-aspirin combination was less pronounced. The ratio of body weight to testicular and epididymal weights between the different groups showed no marked difference. No effect of drug treatment on plasma testosterone, LH and FSH was observed. The data presented in this paper suggest that prostaglandin plays an important role in the antifertility effects of gossypol.

Studies on the male antifertility agent gossypol acetic acid. VII. Effect of motility stimulated factors on the revival of human spermatozoal motility after gossypol treatment in vitro

Human spermatozoa were incubated with gossypol acetic acid (100 micrograms/1 X 10(6) spermatozoa/ml) at 37 degrees C for 30 min. The drug treatment inhibited the spermatozoal motility significantly. Washing of the spermatozoa, after gossypol treatment, did not effect their motility. A partial revival in the motility of the spermatozoa was observed when gossypol treated spermatozoa were incubated, after washing, with motility stimulating factors, e.g. theophylline, dibutyryl-cAMP and Kallikrein.

Effect of gossypol on immature male rats

In immature male rats the body growth rate, the testis and epididymis weight were not affected by gossypol treatment (4, 8 and 40 mg/kg body weight/24 hrs. for 30 days). There was however a marked reduction in the weight of the prostate after high dose gossypol administration. Furthermore gossypol treatment did not show any effect on the histoarchitecture of the testis nor did the drug treatment have any effect on sperm motility. The plasma levels of testosterone, LH and FSH in gossypol treated animals were no different from those on the controls.

Effect of gossypol on bull spermatozoa in vitro

Gossypol acetic acid in a concentration of 1,000 microgram/ml solvent is able to immobilize 1 ml of native bull semen (sperm concentration: 8.5 X 10(8)/ml; motility rate: 87.4%) within 30 min. After GAA treatment the spermatozoa show severe morphological damage on the membrane system, on the acrosomal complex and on the tubular complex of the end piece. The working mechanism of GAA can be assumed to be inactivation of enzyme activities or in direct reactions with plasma membrane material.

Studies on the male antifertility agent gossypol acetic acid. VI. Effect of gossypol acetic acid on the fertility of bonnet monkey. Macaca radiata

Gossypol acetic acid (4 mg/day/5 days a week) suspended in Tonoferon tonic was given to male bonnet monkeys, Macaca radiata, by oral route for 3 months. Marked reduction in the sperm count/ejaculate and sperm motility were observed after gossypol treatment; both motility and sperm count/ejaculate returned to the normal level 8-10 weeks after termination of gossypol treatment. The citric acid and fructose levels in the semen of gossypol treated monkeys were not different from those of the controls.

Effect of cyproterone acetate on testis and accessory sex organs of male rat

A significant reduction in testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, and adrenal weight of adult rats was observed after CA treatment (10 mg/animal/day) for 13, 26 and 39 days. Biochemical assay on the epididymis showed a fall in the activities of acid and alkaline phosphatase. A significant fall in citric acid content of seminal vesicle and prostate in experimental animals was noted after CA treatment. Histoarchitecture of accessory sex organs was severely impaired.

Effect of gossypol on testicular testosterone production in vitro

Testicular minces were utilized to study the effect of gossypol on testosterone production. Testosterone production was assessed in both control nd gossypol treated groups after 0 to 4 hours incubation in the presence of hCG. Media testosterone was measured by radioimmunoassay. Gossypol did not alter testosterone production when present in incubates at the concentrations of 3.5 x 10(-5) M, 7 x 10(-5) M and 3.5 x 10(-4) M. Preincubation of testis mince with gossypol (7 x 10(-6) M, 7 x 10(-5) M, 3.5 x 10(-4) M) for 1 to 4 hours did not alter subsequent hCG induced testosterone production in mature rats. Testosterone production however, was inhibited in immature rat testis when the whole testis was incubated for 4 hours with different concentrations of gossypol (7 x 10(-6) M, 7 x 10(-5) M, 3.5 x 10(-4) M). In vivo testosterone production was not inhibited in the immature rat testis 24 hours after oral administration of gossypol (100 mg/kg).

Biochemical analysis of rat testis and epididymis after cyproterone acetate treatment

Male rats were treated with cyproterone acetate (10 mg/day/rat) for 13, 26 and 39 days. A marked decrease in proteins, nucleic acid and phospholipid content was recorded in testis and epididymis after CA treatment. However, a significant increase in glycogen and cholesterol content in testis and epididymis was observed after CA treatment.

Studies on the male antifertility agent--gossypol acetic acid. V. Effect of gossypol acetic acid on the fertility of male rats

Gossypol acetic acid was given to male rats at a dose of 7.5 mg/rat/day six days a week for ten weeks. After nine weeks of gossypol treatment no implantation sites were observed in the females mated with gossypol treated males. After ten weeks of gossypol treatment all the spermatozoa in the vas deferens were non-motile. Gossypol treatment did not affect the body weight and the weights of the accessory sex organs. Plasma LH and FSH levels, hCG binding in testis and succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activities in liver, kidney and testis were not affected by gossypol treatment. Histological observations of the testis revealed partial damage to the seminiferous tubules. Single high doses of gossypol did not induce significant changes in the body weight and weights of testis and accessory sex organs. ATPase activity in the testis was reduced significantly after gossypol treatment, the enzyme activity in liver and kidney, was however, affected at high doses only. Gossypol treatment had no effect on the histoarchitecture of the testis. Intratesticular administration of gossypol evoked localized damage in the testis. Gossypol treatment had no effect on I125 FSH binding to the rat testis homogenate in vitro.

Presence of luteinizing hormone receptor binding inhibitor (LH-RBI) in ovine testis

Luteinizing hormone receptor binding inhibitor (LH-RBI has been isolated from the aqueous extracts of ram testis using Sephadex column chromatography. Sephadex G-75 fraction I was found to inhibit the binding of I125 LH to rat testis receptors. Further purification of Sephadex G-75-I fraction on G-200 column gave four fractions (I-IV), the maximum inhibitory activity to inhibit I125 LH binding to rat testis receptor was associated with the fraction I only. Fraction II gave marginal inhibition only, whereas fractions III and IV did not have any inhibitory effect on I125 LH binding to rat testis receptors. Our findings suggest that LH-RBI isolated from ram testis is a protein having molecular weight more than 10,000 Daltons.

Studies on the male antifertility agent--gossypol acetic acid. III. Effect of gossypol acetic acid on rat testis

Gossypol acetic acid at the dose of 5 mg/rat/day for 2 and 4 weeks did not cause any significant effect on the body weight, testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate weight, nor gossypol treatment had any significant effect on the activities of acid phosphatase and succinic dehydrogenase in the testis. Changes in the testis ATPase activity were, however, significant after gossypol treatment. During the course of present investigations no effect of gossypol treatment on 3H thymidine incorporation into DNA of testicular cells was observed, nor there were any changes in the DNA and total protein content of the testis after gossypol treatment. Gossypol treatment did not cause any effect on the plasma Na+ level. However, transient decrease in the plasma K+ level was observed; decrease in K+ level two weeks after gossypol treatment was restored to normal after 4 weeks of gossypol treatment. No changes in the histology of the testis were observed 2 weeks after gossypol treatment but marked inhibition of spermatogenesis was observed 4 weeks after gossypol treatment. Motility of vas deferens spermatozoa was also markedly inhibited 4 weeks after gossypol treatment. In the light of the present observations and those of others, there is a clear demonstration that gossypol acts directly on the spermatozoa and on the testis; at both the sites the drug interferes in the ATPase activity.

Studies on the male antifertility agent-gossypol acetic acid. II. Effect of gossypol acetic acid on the motility and ATPase activity of human spermatozoa

A marked reduction in the motility of the human spermatozoa was observed when spermatozoa were incubated with 10 and 100 microgram of gossypol acetic acid for different time period at 37 degrees C; the motility was reduced from 83% to 4% after 210 minutes (P less than 0.001). A significant decrease in the activities of Ca++ and Mg++ activated ATPase in the spermatozoa was observed after gossypol treatment (P less than 0.005). Changes in the zinc++ concentration in the spermatozoa after gossypol treatment were, however, not significant. The present investigations suggest that inhibition of the sperm motility after gossypol treatment may be due to the inhibition of the ATPase activity in the spermatozoa.

Studies on the mechanism of action of alpha-monochlorohydrin

After a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg of alpha-chlorohydrine, two distinct phases in the response of the testes to the treatment have been observed: (i) the immediate onset of testicular swelling lasting up to five days, accompanied with a steady increase in the weight of the testes and (ii) thereafter a constant decrease in the testes weight. Changes in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the thickness of the basement membrane were observed after the administration of the drug. Multinucleated giant cells were encountered 5 days after drug administration. Alkaline phosphatase, SDH, nucleic acids and proteins showed a fall after treatment with the drug. On the contrary, cholesterol, phospholipids and glycogen showed an increase after its administration. Acid phosphatase showed a fall in the initial stages only, but the activity was higher after 10, 20 and 40 days of the treatment with the drug. The level of plasma and testes testosterone remained normal after chlorohydrin administration. The induction of lesions in hypophysectomised gonadotropin-stimulated animals suggests that the action of chlorohydrin is not mediated through gonadotropins. Alpha-chlorohydrin administered intratesticularly did not evoke any changes in the histo-architecture of the testis.

Response of scrotal and non-scrotal vertebrate testis to the male antifertility agent alpha-chlorohydrin

Effect of single oral dose (90 mg/kg body weight), multiple doses (90 mg/kg body weight for 7 days) or even higher doses (180-300 mg/kg body weight) of alpha-chlorohydrin on the testis-epididymis complex of dog, rat, cryptorchid rat, hedgehog, domestic fowl, lizard, frog, and toad has been studied. alpha-chlorohydrin treatment, at any dose, did not induce lesions in the testis-epididymis complex of dog and hedgehog having testis in scrotum and inguinal canal respectively. Abdominal testis of cryptorchid rat, domestic fowl, lizard, frog and toad also did not respond to alpha-chlorohydrin treatment. Lesions in normal rat testis-epididymis complex, after single oral dose of alpha-chlorohydrin, were quite prominent. Non-sensitivity of alpha-chlorohydrin to these animal species may be due to the absence of the pampiniform plexus complex in hedgehog and sub-mammalian animal species. Absence of conventional epididymis in the sub-mammalian animal species may be the additional reason of the non-sensitivity of the drug. Prominence of collateral blood vasculature in dog testis-epididymis complex and some alterations in the blood supply due to cryptorchidity in cryptorchid rat testis seems to be the reason of non-sensitivity of alpha-chlorohydrin to dog and cryptorchid rat testis. These observations confirm the hypothesis that the action of a single oral dose of alpha-chlorohydrin is associted with the blood vasculature of the testis-epididymis complex.